MAY 01, 2001
PREVIOUS REPORTS
Component Developers
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Companies in alphabetical order
Agere Systems (NYSE: AGR - message board)
Lucent Micro introduced two 40-Gbit/s components, a lithium niobate modulator and a receiver. These are in prototype stage and have been trialed with Global Crossing Ltd. (NYSE: GX - message board) in Europe.
Designed by Bell Labs, the R768 receiver uses a waveguide positive intrinsic negative (PIN) detector to convert the light into electrical current. It then uses a multifunctional integrated circuit as a preamplifier to strengthen the received signal for further processing. That amplifies the current into a voltage signal, resulting in a stream of data transmitted at 40 Gbit/s. The R768 can be used in long-haul and submarine transport networks. Initial volume production is expected by the second quarter of 2001. Unit pricing will be approximately $10,000.
Agere also supplies a substantial range of ICs and silicon to the networking industry and is poised to be a major player in the 40-gig space with chips for forward error correction, clock data recovery, multiplexers, framers, and other physical-layer interface chipsets. In this sense, Agere is able to compete with traditional component vendors such as JDSU and Corning, while also competing for market share with the likes of Vitesse Semiconductor, Applied Micro Circuits Corp., and PMC-Sierra.
Alcatel Optronics (Nasdaq: ALAO - message board; Paris: CGO.PA)
Alcatel Optronics is the component arm of Alcatel and has long been considered one of the finest development labs in the industry. Alcatel has a long history in submarine networks systems, which has given them expertise in high-speed communications and ultra-long-haul transport. Alcatel currently has a wide range of components, rivaling Agere Systems, and expertise in both InP and SiGe for high-speed optoelectronics.
Alcatel Optronics recently launched a new 40-Gbit/s InP-based external modulator, the Alcatel 1976 EAM. The product is designed for metropolitan and long-distance transmission as well as interconnection equipment.
Alcatel Optronics has developed 40-gig transmitters in prototype form and is leveraging its intellectual property in SiGe to create 40-gig physical-layer chips.
Applied Micro Circuits Corp. (AMCC) (Nasdaq: AMCC - message board)
AMCC is one of the leading manufacturers of chipsets for high-speed transmission equipment. AMCC is clearly poised to be a player in the OC768 market, with one product already available. This is a transimpedence amplifier, operating at 48 Gbit/s.
AMCC currently is offering OC192 transmitters and receivers, based on their SiGe BiCMOS technology. The chips perform all necessary parallel-to-serial and serial-to-parallel functions in conformance with Sonet/SDH transmission standards.
AMCC also offers an STS192 POS/ATM Sonet/SDH mapper for data system interfaces (called Ganges) and an STS192 Sonet/SDH interleaver/disinterleaver (called Indus).
The Ganges IC is a highly integrated VLSI device that provides full-duplex mapping of packets or ATM cells into Sonet/SDH payloads.
The Indus is a VLSI device that provides for the multiplexing and demultiplexing of STS48/STM16 Sonet/SDH signals into STS192/STM64 Sonet/SDH signals. When used in conjunction with AMCC's Rhine chip, the Indus provides a channelized OC192 solution down to STS48/STS12/STS3 signal payloads. When used in conjunction with AMCC's Missouri chip, the Indus provides a channelized OC192 to STS48/STS12/STS3/STS1 framer/pointer processor solution.
AMCC also offers a product called Hudson, a 10-gigabit digital wrapper performance monitor and framer.
See: AMCC to Supply Chips for Alcatel Router
Avanex Corp. (Nasdaq: AVNX - message board)
Avanex will definitely be a player in the 40-gig market with extensions of their current product line, which consists of DWDM muxes, amplifiers, and dispersion compensators. The product most likely to play the earliest will be the PowerShaper, a dispersion management solution. The PowerShaper line consists of three products, the PowerShaper Provisional Dispersion Compensation Processor PSD Series, the PowerShaper Fixed Dispersion Compensation Processor PSD Series, and the SuperPowerShaper Variable Dispersion and Slope Compensation Processor. The SuperPowerShaper is most suited for 40-gig networks because it is tunable.
See: Avanex to Demo Disperson Compensator
Azanda Network Devices
Azanda Network Devices says it holds the key to making switches and routers capable of supporting Sonet OC768. The startup hopes to offer samples of a traffic management chip later this year that will support OC192 and OC768 Sonet rates.
Azanda says its claim to fame will be its ability to create a sophisticated chip out of mundane materials. It is eschewing fancy substrates and instead will focus on making a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) chip out of silicon. According to the company’s CEO, Azanda's found a way to supercharge its chips via new algorithms, some of which are dedicated to using memory more effectively.
See: Chip Startup Plans OC768
BigBear Networks
A startup funded by Sequoia and Accel developing subsystems for 10-gig and above, BigBear appears to be focused on developing 40-gig chipsets for router and DWDM transport system interfaces.
Catamaran Communications
Working on high-speed ICs for 10-gig and 40-gig networks. Catamaran recently agreed to an acquisition by Infineon corp. for $250 Million in stock.
See: Infineon to Acquire Catamaran
Codeon Corp.
Codeon is developing high-speed modulators based on lithium niobate, including 40-gig, with very low drive voltages being a key distinction. Funded by New Enterprise Associates and Optical Capital Group, Codeon's initial product line includes external modulators for 10- and 40-Gbit/s data rates. Modulators are devices that block and unblock a light beam, to encode it with data. Right now, the Washington factory is tooled up to make 200 units a month. In six months Codeon hopes to be churning out 1000 a month.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI - message board; Frankfurt: SIE) has agreed to trial Codeon’s modulators for both 10-gig and 40-gig applications (see Siemens to Trial Codeon Modulators ).
See: Codeon Bets on Clever Crystals
Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW - message board)
Corning will be involved in the 40-gig market through two divisions: Corning Photonic Technologies (EDFAs and dispersion compensators), and Corning OTI, formerly Pirelli Componenti Ottici (modulators, specialty fibers, and gratings). Corning Lasertron, manufacturer of high-speed lasers and modulators, will also be developing 40-Gbit/s transmitters and receivers.
Corning Photonic Technologies is working with its customers in several areas, including EDFAs and distributed Raman amplifiers for high-capacity systems, C-band and L-band amplifiers, and PMD and chromatic-dispersion compensators for 40-Gbit/s.
Important products include:
Acrobat Polarization Control Module (PCM), which provides complete, real-time polarization control. It dynamically adjusts any incoming state of polarization to a fixed linearly polarized output. These are based on Corning Applied Technologies' OptoCeramic technology, which allows the polarization control module to convert any input state of polarization (SOP) to any arbitrary output SOP by the application of voltage to independently controlled retardation plates.
The PureForm DCM Module for LEAF optical fiber, a broadband fiber-based device that enables greater bandwidth and longer reach by optimizing its dispersion slope for LEAF fiber.
The PureForm Adjustable DCM Module, a discretely tunable fiber-based DCM module capable of delivering up to 150ps/nm of dispersion.
A gratings-based banded chromatic dispersion compensator. This narrowband device is designed to compensate for dispersion and dispersion slope over bandwidth up to 6nm in terrestrial long-haul and submarine ultra-long-haul links.
A dynamic dispersion compensating module based on gratings technology. When fully developed, this state-of-the-art product will provide per-channel dispersion compensation, a requirement for accommodating dispersion variations encountered in an optical communication link.
PureForm Dynamic PMD Compensator, a fiber-based solution.
At OFC this year, Corning’s OTI announced a lithium niobate modulator designed for 40-Gbit/s systems. The new 40-Gbit/s modulators provide high speed at low drive voltages, using proprietary processing and packaging technologies. The new modulators deliver low drive voltage, insertion loss of typically 3.5dB, and zero chirp. Corning OTI plans to expand the 40-Gbit/s product family to include devices with RZ modulation capabilities, integrated variable attenuators, and extended bandwidth (for SuperFEC).
CyOptics Inc.
CyOptics was an early developer of 40-gig transmitters and modulators based on indium phosphide and has been an evangelist for the value of InP in moving to monolithically integrated high-speed circuits and transceivers. It has by far the best Website in the industry, an education in itself. Its key product at this time is the 40-Gbit/s Indium Phosphide Electro-Absorption Modulator. Its key technologies going forward will be centered on InP and Silicon Optical Bench (SiOB) packaging and integration.
The 40-Gbit/s electro-absorption modulator provides high-bandwidth, external amplitude modulation for singlemode light-sources. Modulation is based upon the electro-absorption effect in InP-related materials and is intended for use in conjunction with a CW light from an external fixed-wavelength or tunable laser, to create a high-speed, time-varying optical signal. The electro-absorption modulator is suitable for digital modulation of signals up to 40 Gbit/s. The product features low modulation voltage of 3V, polarization-insensitive operation, and modulation bandwidth over 30GHz/sec.
CyOptics is building components for RZ, NRZ, and OTDM applications, all based on InP. The product roadmap begins with a 10/40-Gbit/s RZ Pulse Generating Laser and a 10/40-Gbit/s Electro-Absorption Modulator. Future products include a 10/40-Gbit/s NRZ Transmitter, a 10/40-Gbit/s NRZ Tunable Transmitter, and a 10/40-Gbit/s RZ Transmitter.
CyOptics investors include Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Intel Capital, Vitesse Semiconductor, Jerusalem Venture Partners, SCD, Soros Private Equity Partners LLC, Sprout Group, Innovacom, Natexis, and Eurofund.
See: CyOptics Raises $57M
Vendors Prepare for 40 Gigabit Future
CyOptics Targets 40 Gbit/s DWDM Components
Fujitsu Ltd. (KLS: FUJI.KL)
Fujitsu’s Compound Semiconductor Unit manufactures laser diodes, receiver modules, GaAs ICs, and LiNbO3 modulators for fiber optic applications up to 40 Gbit/s. They have not announced a timeline for when 40-gig components will be available.
Gigatera AG
GigaTera is a Swiss startup and has raised $7 million in first-round venture financing led by Broadband Capital of Zug, Switzerland, and JK&B Capital of Chicago, Ill. GigaTera is said to be developing 40-gig transmitters.
See: Swiss Startup Scores $7 Million
Swiss On a Roll
Gtran Inc.
Founded in 1999, GTRAN provides data transponder solutions for 10-Gbit/s and 40-Gbit/s Sonet applications. GTRAN recently introduced a 40-gig transponder based on Indium Phosphide. GTRAN claims it has developed the world's fastest wafer fabrication process based on InP semiconductors for commercial deployment. The process is run on 100mm wafers utilizing highly automated wafer fabrication techniques that are compatible with standard GaAs production steps.
See: Startup Claims 40-Gig First
IBM Corp. (NYSE: IBM - message board)
IBM's Microelectronics Division has started making customer circuits with 7HP, its next-generation silicon-germanium BiCMOS process technology with 0.18-micron minimum geometries. The process is planned to let SiGe circuits serve in optical fiber driving and clock and data handling at 40 Gbit/s.
JDS Uniphase Inc. (Nasdaq: JDSU - message board; Toronto: JDU)
JDS Uniphase has all the bases covered, with products under development for 40-gig in transmitters, receivers, PMD compensation, and dispersion compensation. JDS rarely sells products from its “catalog,” and tends to work with each supplier on a custom basis. For 40-gig JDS would likely supply the modulator, then the system supplier would build the electronics around that.
Through its Epitaxx division, JDS is developing OC768 transceivers, using InP-based monolithic microwave ICs (MMICs).
See; JDSU Readies OFC Blitz
KVH Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI - message board)
KVH’s new 40-Gbit/s electro-optic polymer modulator takes a revolutionary approach to optical modulation by creating a modulator directly within a strand of optical fiber. Intended for external modulation of CW light from semi-conductor lasers, the KVH photonic fiber modulator is fabricated as an all-fiber polarimetric modulator using a chromophore-doped core. In addition to eliminating the need to pigtail fiber strands to planar optical chips, the photonic fiber modulator exhibits wideband properties with excellent input impedance match for minimal waveform distortion.
Since the optical signal never leaves the fiber medium, the insertion loss of the modulator is reduced, permitting either increased span lengths or lower-powered light sources. At the same time, an internal polarizer improves the optical extinction ratio. This radical new approach offers breakthroughs in speed, cost, and manufacturability.
All-fiber construction
Low modulation voltage
Low insertion loss, providing maximum transmission power
Low bias drift
Internal polarizer
Long-term stability over a wide temperature range
See: Optical Fibers Go Active
OFC's Hot Products
KVH Reveals Optical Fiber Plans
Out of the Lab: Polymer's Progress
LaserComm Inc.
LaserComm manufactures chromatic dispersion compensation subsystems for both 10-gig and 40-gig DWDM networks. LaserComm uses a technique that allows it to take advantage of the power of selected high-order modes to compensate for CMD in each wavelength of a wavelength-division multiplex transmission. The company's device, called Hi-Mode, converts each wavelength to a higher harmonic mode, at which it is possible to compensate precisely for each wavelength's dispersion.
LaserComm already has C-band versions of the product in trials with DWDM suppliers and demonstrated both C- and L-band versions at OFC. The Hi-Mode DMD family manages dispersion and dispersion slope continuously across the C-band and L-band, eliminating the need for guard bands. The Hi-Mode DMD’s improved optical power efficiency yields extra power for additional DWDM channels at every amplifier site. For OC768, LaserComm plans an active device that will use feedback loops to detect any drift in the compensation process, which becomes more of a threat at higher speeds.
See: LaserComm Announces Major Expansion
Marconi Communications PLC (Nasdaq/London: MONI - message board)
Marconi has formed an optical components company that combines activities at Marconi Caswell Technology in Northampton and Marconi Applied Technologies in Chelmsford. Dr. David Parker will head the new company, whose first products are expected to include tunable lasers, optical modulators, and EDFAs. The newly launched business already has 300 engineers and scientists dedicated to optical technology and the ability to rapidly re-deploy an additional 1,000 Marconi personnel to optical component manufacturing. It plans to establish a new 200,000 square-foot manufacturing facility by mid-2002.
The existing Caswell operation includes design and development capabilities in active optical components using InP materials, as well as integration of optical functions using GaAs. Applied Technologies has an emerging capability in optical amplifier development and manufacturing, and developed expertise in the design and development of silicon-based components.
At OFC 2001, Marconi made clear their intentions in 40-gig for the near term. Components announced include:
A 40-gig transmitter with integrated GaAs modulator
A 40-gig receiver, combining high-speed InP photodetectors with MMIC amplifiers. With 10dB of low noise gain, this module is designed to optimize NRZ data recovery at up to 42.5 Gbit/s.
Terabit Engine, a photonic subsystem. The integrated GaAs IC monolithically combines three stages of amplitude and phase modulation with a variable optical attenuator and tap monitor, copackaged with a transmitter laser. This advanced Terabit Engine Transmitter provides a 10-Gbit/s NRZ/RZ modulation format capability with adjustable pre-chirp, power output control and monitoring in an integrated package.
See:
Marconi Joins Optical Components Field
Mintera Corp.
Mintera recently raised $26 million to develop 40-gig subsystem solutions. Sycamore was a strategic investor. The founding team of twenty members includes Menachem Abraham, President and CEO; Dr. Benny Mikkelsen, Vice President of Optical R&D; and Dr. Pavel Mamyshev, Vice President of Optical Transmission. Mikkelsen and Mamyshev, previously from Bell Labs, are world-renowned experts in ultra-high-speed optical communications.
Because of their focus on 40-gig subsystems, Mintera is in a rather exclusive camp with Stratalight, though others profiled here may be developing subsystems in stealth mode. Subsystems tend to be characterized as a transponder or line card, for use on a DWDM line terminal or optical switch. Mintera is currently in stealth mode and is focusing on delivering a product by early 2002.
See: Sycamore’s Stealth 40-Gig Strategy
Mintera Enjoys $26M First Round
Nortel Networks Corp. (NYSE/Toronto: NT - message board)
Nortel’s foray into 40-Gbit/s components is most noticeable in their CoreTek subsidiary, which is developing tunable lasers based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technology. Currently, Nortel has shipped for system trials MEMS-based 30mW tunable lasers for 40-Gbit/s systems. The MEMS-based tunable laser is scheduled for general availability in the fourth quarter of this year. Core-Tek is currently sampling with customers for both 10-gig and 40-gig transmitters. They are in the process of turning up a 300,000 square-foot manufacturing facility for these products, with volume production schedule for year-end 2001.
The tunable laser employs two microscopic mirrors – one a curved mirror that is deposited on a precision membrane. As the membrane is driven up and down by a change in electrostatic force, the distance between it and the laser cavity’s lower mirror changes, selecting a wavelength. Precise control of this process allows continuous tuning to any wavelength in the C or L band. The MEMS-based tunable laser has successfully completed critical parametric testing for 40-Gbit/s transmission and exceeded design criteria for 40-Gbit/s optical transport equipment.
According to Nortel, the reason they were able to get this 40-gig transmitter out more quickly than competitors is due to its use of VCSEL technology, which allows for a larger aperture, making fiber coupling easier. In addition, VCSELs have greater spectral purity than traditional edge-emitting lasers, giving them optical power to spare and easing packaging requirements.
Nortel also has developed a continuous wave laser for tunable applications at 40 Gbit/s. The robust LCW5 temperatur-tuned laser illustrates Nortel Networks expertise in volume manufacturing. The 20-channel CW laser features an integrated wavelength locker and reduced footprint that eliminates fiber handling and further component qualification and procurement. The laser is controlled remotely and can be automatically adjusted to one of 20 DWDM channels in a predetermined section of either the C or L DWDM bands. Testing has shown it to be suitable for DWDM applications ranging from 2.5 to 40 Gbit/s when used in conjunction with an external modulator.
See: Nortel Pumps a Bigger, Faster Core
Nortel Launches Next-Gen Net Solution
Nortel Ships 40-Gig MEMS Lasers
Nortel Gambles $1.43 Billion On Tunable Lasers
OKI Semiconductor
OKI manufactures a variety of optoelectronics, including transmitters, receivers, and monitors for 10-gig transmission systems. For 40-gig, Oki is currently developing an InP electro-absorption modulator for RZ and NRZ solutions.
Oki is also an important supplier of ICs for optical systems and currently is shipping a full range of GaAs ICs for 10-gig systems. This includes the KGL4217 Limiting Amplifier, KGL4221 16:1 Multiplexer IC, and KGL4222 1:16 Demultiplexer IC. These 10-Gbit/s optical devices are manufactured using Oki Semiconductor’s 0.2-µm gate-length GaAs MESFET process.
OpNext Inc.
OpNext is the new name of Hitachi Ltd.’s Fiber Optic Components Business Unit and is currently offering a product line that includes laser diode modules for 2.4 and 10 Gbit/s, transmitters and receivers operating at 2.5 and 10 Gbit/s, and full transceivers at those same speeds for both Sonet and SDH applications, including undersea. For the 40-gig market, Hitachi is developing transmitters and receivers using Indium Phosphide HBT and Silicon Germanium HBT ICs. Hitachi is also working on fully-monolithically integrated transmitters based on InP/GaAs HBT technology.
This is where Harry Bosco landed after leaving Lucent, and he is currently serving as President and CEO. OpNext plans to open an R&D facility for its 40-Gbit/s products in Thousand Oaks, Calif., sometime this year. The vendor plans to start trialing short-reach 40-Gbit/s transceivers by the end of the summer and long-reach modules (capable of extending up to 80km without regeneration) by the end of the year.
See: Hitachi Plans Component Spinoff
Harry Bosco
Opto Speed SA
Opto Speed Holding SA originated from the Institute of Quantum Electronics, which is part of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Opto Speed designs and manufactures a vast line of optoelectronic components such as high-speed photodetectors, semiconductor optical amplifiers, wavelength converters, broadband light sources, Fabry Perot and DFB lasers, and integrated HBT receivers.
Opto Speed’s technology for InP-based compounds delivers better performance in terms of speed (photodetectors and receivers up to 40 Gbit/s), low power consumption (10-Gbit/s receivers with only 50mW power dissipation), high temperature performance (FP and DFB lasers working up to 85 C at more than 10 Gbit/s), and high power (SLED for broadcast communication with 25mW into a singlemode fiber).
See: Swiss On a Roll
Opto Speed Expands in Europe
Pacific Wave Communications
Pacific Wave Communications is part of Pacific Wave Industries Inc., which produces solutions for telecom, satellite communications, and biomedical applications. Pacific Wave Communications is the operating unit responsible for producing high-speed modulators based on polymer.
Pacific Wave’s first product line leverages its technology and intellectual property in polymer traveling wave intensity modulators. These devices incorporate a novel, proprietary push-pull configuration, which effectively lowers the required drive voltage by a factor of two and eliminates issues related to chirp. These Mach-Zehnder modulators demonstrate low drive power requirement and greater than 40GHz bandwidth.
At OFC 2001, Pacific Wave demonstrated frequency response up to 40GHz, DC Vp measurements, and optical power handling capabilities.
See: OFC's Hot Products
Teledyne, Pacific Wave Partner Up
Out of the Lab: Polymer's Progress
Phaethon Communications
Phaethon is a recently minted startup with expertise in dispersion mitigation. At OFC 2001, Phaethon demonstrated a dispersion management device based on a fiber Bragg grating. The device is based on a small, electrically driven engine that stretches the grating by up to 0.1 percent, which is sufficient to either create additional delay or reduce delay in the signal. The device uses a feedback loop to monitor the optical signal and adjust the grating as necessary.
See: Phaethon Adds Bucks, Board Members
Picometrix Inc.
Picometrix Inc. is currently developing 40-gig detectors and receivers.
Picosecond Pulse Labs Inc. (PSPL)
Picosecond Pulse Labs is currently developing optoelectronics for 40-Gbit/s networks. Time domain expertise has enabled Picosecond to develop 40-Gbit/s discrete components and to continue to develop additional products for high bit rates. The product line includes amplifiers, modulator driver amplifiers, filters, bias tees, DC blocks, pick-off tees, power dividers, and attenuators for the 10- and 40-Gbit/s markets. Custom integrated component modules for transmitters and receivers are also available to further reduce package size and increase functionality. PSPL has recently raised venture capital funding to further focus on telecommunications applications of their technology.
See: Picosecond Pulse Adds Director, Funds
Picosecond Pulse Intros Long-Haul Amp
PMC-Sierra Inc. (Nasdaq: PMCS - message board)
PMC-Sierra is in the same league as Vitesse and AMCC, though it's quite focused on interface chips for ATM and packet equipment. It has many products in the 2.5-Gbit/s and 10-Gbit/s space for Packet-over-Sonet interfaces and ATM systems.
For 10-gig Sonet systems, PMC-Sierra offers the SPECTRA-9953, a channelized STS192/STM64 or 4x STS48/STM16 interface. PMC-Sierra has also announced they will support a 10-gigabit system interface developed by the Saturn Development Group, a multivendor industry group developing specifications for high-speed packet and ATM interfaces. POS-PHYTM Level 4 provides an industry-accepted standard for multiservice system interfaces supporting OC192, 10-gigabit Ethernet, multichannel OC48 and OC12 (622 Mbit/s), and gigabit Ethernet.
The 40-gigabit POS-PHY Level 5 interface specification was developed by the Saturn Development Group in November 2000 and is based on the POS-PHY Level 4 specification. The draft specification has been presented to the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) for review and has been used as the basis for System Packet Interface Level 5 (SPI-5).
See: PMC-Sierra Announces 10-Gig Interface
Sierra Monolithics Inc.
In 1986 Sierra Monolithics Inc. was formed to develop monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for defense and aerospace applications, which evolved into low-volume manufacturing of subsystems employing these MMICs. In 1997, SMI's focus shifted toward providing design services for high-performance commercial communications components using the IBM SiGe semiconductor process.
IBM and Sierra Monolithics are actively developing high-speed microchips for emerging optical communications applications, including 10- and 40-gig networking systems. IBM expects to begin producing the chips with its SiGe process technology later this year. Alcatel, which also has expertise in SiGe, will be a competitor. Both claim 40-gig chips will be available in 2001.
See: Sierra Monolithics Gets $14 Million
StrataLight Inc.
StrataLight is developing 40-gig components and subsystems. According to Terry Smith, CEO, the most important benefits of StratLight's approach are a significant reduction in the spectral width of lightwave signals and tolerance to chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion. Spectral narrowing allows much closer channel spacing, without crosstalk or filter distortion, increasing the spectral efficiency of DWDM systems. Tolerance to dispersion, especially PMD, significantly extends transmission distances at high bit rates.
Stratalight will likely be competing in the same space as Mintera and BigBear, developing transponders and DWDM-based transport solutions for systems houses. The firm has a strong team, with founders from Bell Labs and WaveSpan.
T-Networks Inc.
T-Networks is located conspicuously close to Lucent Microelectronics/Agere Systems in Allentown, Pa. That said, it’s not surprising that the founders hail from Lucent Micro. They are clearly developing solutions for 10- and 40-gig networks and have made mention of OTDM and DWDM both as possible solutions for metro, long-haul, and ultra-long-haul. They are funded by Greylock, USVP, and Sequoia.
Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. (Nasdaq: VTSS - message board)
Vitesse is currently making 10-gig VLSI ICs for the telecom market and plans to be a player in the 40-gig market as well. Vitesse’s product development includes:
Laser Drivers
Transimpedance Amplifiers
Post Amplifier
Sonet/SDH Overhead monitor
Sonet/SDH Section Terminator
FEC Encoder and Decoder
Framers/Mappers and Pointer Processors
Clock and Data Recovery
Physical-Layer Transceivers
Physical-Layer Mux/Demux Devices
Yafo Networks
Yafo is the brainchild of Henry Yaffe, former senior engineer at Ciena and Bell Labs. For 40-gig systems, Yafo is developing a 40-gig PMD compensation solution, which it demonstrated at OFC 2001. Yafo's 40-Gbit/s compensator is expected to be commercially available next year.
Yafo is currently offering the Yafo10, which automatically compensates for PMD, allowing 10 Gbit/s transmission over almost any span at the desired wavelength. |
